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Vacation
In this witty, deeply honest tale of married life, New York Times bestselling author Jane Green delves into the heart of the holidays—and the winter of one woman’s discontent . . .
Just when she’d sworn off men for good, Sarah Evans met Eddie. Sarah was a magazine editor, living in Manhattan, and loving her life—except for the heartbreaks. A successful real estate developer, Eddie was a breath of fresh air, a meeting of minds—and bodies. Soon came wedded bliss, baby number one—and the proverbial move to the suburbs . . .
You just sit there like a slob while I do all the work. Nine years later, this is increasingly what goes through Sarah’s mind when she looks at Evan, propped in front of the TV with a beer, ignoring their two children. The truth is, she misses her old life. She misses the old Eddie. She can’t help wondering if she’d be happier alone . . .
When Eddie’s job sends him to Chicago indefinitely, Sarah shocks him by suggesting a trial separation. But she knows it’s just a precursor to divorce—even if Eddie chooses to think of it as a “vacation.” Yet a lot can change—on both sides—as time goes by. And once Christmas arrives, Sarah and Eddie might re-discover gifts they’d forgotten they had . . .
Just when she’d sworn off men for good, Sarah Evans met Eddie. Sarah was a magazine editor, living in Manhattan, and loving her life—except for the heartbreaks. A successful real estate developer, Eddie was a breath of fresh air, a meeting of minds—and bodies. Soon came wedded bliss, baby number one—and the proverbial move to the suburbs . . .
You just sit there like a slob while I do all the work. Nine years later, this is increasingly what goes through Sarah’s mind when she looks at Evan, propped in front of the TV with a beer, ignoring their two children. The truth is, she misses her old life. She misses the old Eddie. She can’t help wondering if she’d be happier alone . . .
When Eddie’s job sends him to Chicago indefinitely, Sarah shocks him by suggesting a trial separation. But she knows it’s just a precursor to divorce—even if Eddie chooses to think of it as a “vacation.” Yet a lot can change—on both sides—as time goes by. And once Christmas arrives, Sarah and Eddie might re-discover gifts they’d forgotten they had . . .
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
445 people are currently reading
1156 people want to read
About the author
Jane Green
75 books8,750 followersJane Green's twenty first novel, Sister Stardust, is out April 5th 2022.
She is the author of eighteen previous New York Times Bestselling novels, and known as one of the world's leading authors in women's fiction, with over ten million books in print, and translations in over 25 languages.
Previous novels have included The Beach House, Second Chance, Jemima J, and Tempting Fate.
She joined the ABC News team to write their first enhanced digital book— about the history of Royal marriages, then joined ABC News as a live correspondent covering Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton.
A former journalist in the UK, she has had her own radio show on BBC Radio London, and is a regular contributor on radio and TV, including as well as regularly appearing on television shows including Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart show, and The Today Show.
Together with writing books and blogs, she contributes to various publications, both online and print, including anthologies and novellas, and features for The Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, Cosmopolitan and Self. She has taught at writers conferences, and does regular keynote speaking, and has a weekly column in The Lady magazine, England’s longest running weekly magazine.
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York, Green is bringing out her first cookbook: Good Taste , with Berkley in October 2016.
She is a storyteller for The Moth radio hour on NPR,
and lives in Westport, Connecticut with her husband and their blended family. When she is not writing, cooking, gardening, filling her house with friends and herding chickens, she is usually thanking the Lord for caffeine-filled energy drinks.
Jane's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Gr...
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
She is the author of eighteen previous New York Times Bestselling novels, and known as one of the world's leading authors in women's fiction, with over ten million books in print, and translations in over 25 languages.
Previous novels have included The Beach House, Second Chance, Jemima J, and Tempting Fate.
She joined the ABC News team to write their first enhanced digital book— about the history of Royal marriages, then joined ABC News as a live correspondent covering Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton.
A former journalist in the UK, she has had her own radio show on BBC Radio London, and is a regular contributor on radio and TV, including as well as regularly appearing on television shows including Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart show, and The Today Show.
Together with writing books and blogs, she contributes to various publications, both online and print, including anthologies and novellas, and features for The Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, Cosmopolitan and Self. She has taught at writers conferences, and does regular keynote speaking, and has a weekly column in The Lady magazine, England’s longest running weekly magazine.
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York, Green is bringing out her first cookbook: Good Taste , with Berkley in October 2016.
She is a storyteller for The Moth radio hour on NPR,
and lives in Westport, Connecticut with her husband and their blended family. When she is not writing, cooking, gardening, filling her house with friends and herding chickens, she is usually thanking the Lord for caffeine-filled energy drinks.
Jane's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Gr...
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
November 13, 2019
EXCERPT: "Well," Cindy says brightly, "nothing like a bit of soul baring at book club. I'm going to get some cheesecake. Can I bring anyone some?" She rises out of her chair, as do the others, all murmuring about getting more coffee, or cake, or another of those delicious brownies.
Only Caroline stays behind, sitting next to Sarah on the sofa, and when Sarah puts down her wineglass, Caroline takes her hand.
"I didn't know it was that bad," she whispers. "You should have said so."
Sarah looks at her as it finally registers that she has confessed out loud. "Oh, my God," she gasps. "I just did, didn't I? Tell me I didn't say that out loud."
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Just when she’d sworn off men for good, Sarah Evans met Eddie. Sarah was a magazine editor, living in Manhattan, and loving her life—except for the heartbreaks. A successful real estate developer, Eddie was a breath of fresh air, a meeting of minds—and bodies. Soon came wedded bliss, baby number one—and the proverbial move to the suburbs . . .
You just sit there like a slob while I do all the work. Nine years later, this is increasingly what goes through Sarah’s mind when she looks at Evan, propped in front of the TV with a beer, ignoring their two children. The truth is, she misses her old life. She misses the old Eddie. She can’t help wondering if she’d be happier alone . . .
When Eddie’s job sends him to Chicago indefinitely, Sarah shocks him by suggesting a trial separation. But she knows it’s just a precursor to divorce—even if Eddie chooses to think of it as a “vacation.” Yet a lot can change—on both sides—as time goes by. And once Christmas arrives, Sarah and Eddie might re-discover gifts they’d forgotten they had . . .
MY THOUGHTS: I have long loved Jane Green's books, and Vacation, short and sweet as it is, is just a great read for this, or any other, time of the year.
Jane's characters are always so easy to relate to. They are not perfect people; they are human, they get tired and cranky, they put their feet in their mouths, they make mistakes. Vacation brought back memories of when my own children were small, and the pressures of being a stay-at-home mom, the pressures of being a full-time working dad, and how easy it is to lose sight of each other and what is really important in your life.
A lovely read. A little bit Christmas.
****
THE AUTHOR: Jane Green's eighteenth novel, Falling, is soon to be released with Berkley/Penguin; she is the author of sixteen previous New York Times Bestselling novels, and known as one of the world's leading authors in women's fiction, with over ten million books in print, and translations in over 25 languages.
Previous novels have included The Beach House, Second Chance, Jemima J, and Tempting Fate.
She joined the ABC News team to write their first enhanced digital book— about the history of Royal marriages, then joined ABC News as a live correspondent covering Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton.
A former journalist in the UK, she has had her own radio show on BBC Radio London, and is a regular contributor on radio and TV, including as well as regularly appearing on television shows including Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart show, and The Today Show.
Together with writing books and blogs, she contributes to various publications, both online and print, including anthologies and novellas, and features for The Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, Cosmopolitan and Self. She has taught at writers conferences, and does regular keynote speaking, and has a weekly column in The Lady magazine, England’s longest running weekly magazine.
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York, Green is bringing out her first cookbook: Good Taste , with Berkley in October 2016.
She is a storyteller for The Moth radio hour on NPR,
and lives in Westport, Connecticut with her husband and their blended family. When she is not writing, cooking, gardening, filling her house with friends and herding chickens, she is usually thanking the Lord for caffeine-filled energy drinks.
A cancer survivor, she continues to raise awareness for Malignant Melanoma, Hashimoto's Disease, and Lyme Disease.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Vacation by Jane Green for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page, or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review, and others, are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Only Caroline stays behind, sitting next to Sarah on the sofa, and when Sarah puts down her wineglass, Caroline takes her hand.
"I didn't know it was that bad," she whispers. "You should have said so."
Sarah looks at her as it finally registers that she has confessed out loud. "Oh, my God," she gasps. "I just did, didn't I? Tell me I didn't say that out loud."
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Just when she’d sworn off men for good, Sarah Evans met Eddie. Sarah was a magazine editor, living in Manhattan, and loving her life—except for the heartbreaks. A successful real estate developer, Eddie was a breath of fresh air, a meeting of minds—and bodies. Soon came wedded bliss, baby number one—and the proverbial move to the suburbs . . .
You just sit there like a slob while I do all the work. Nine years later, this is increasingly what goes through Sarah’s mind when she looks at Evan, propped in front of the TV with a beer, ignoring their two children. The truth is, she misses her old life. She misses the old Eddie. She can’t help wondering if she’d be happier alone . . .
When Eddie’s job sends him to Chicago indefinitely, Sarah shocks him by suggesting a trial separation. But she knows it’s just a precursor to divorce—even if Eddie chooses to think of it as a “vacation.” Yet a lot can change—on both sides—as time goes by. And once Christmas arrives, Sarah and Eddie might re-discover gifts they’d forgotten they had . . .
MY THOUGHTS: I have long loved Jane Green's books, and Vacation, short and sweet as it is, is just a great read for this, or any other, time of the year.
Jane's characters are always so easy to relate to. They are not perfect people; they are human, they get tired and cranky, they put their feet in their mouths, they make mistakes. Vacation brought back memories of when my own children were small, and the pressures of being a stay-at-home mom, the pressures of being a full-time working dad, and how easy it is to lose sight of each other and what is really important in your life.
A lovely read. A little bit Christmas.
****
THE AUTHOR: Jane Green's eighteenth novel, Falling, is soon to be released with Berkley/Penguin; she is the author of sixteen previous New York Times Bestselling novels, and known as one of the world's leading authors in women's fiction, with over ten million books in print, and translations in over 25 languages.
Previous novels have included The Beach House, Second Chance, Jemima J, and Tempting Fate.
She joined the ABC News team to write their first enhanced digital book— about the history of Royal marriages, then joined ABC News as a live correspondent covering Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton.
A former journalist in the UK, she has had her own radio show on BBC Radio London, and is a regular contributor on radio and TV, including as well as regularly appearing on television shows including Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart show, and The Today Show.
Together with writing books and blogs, she contributes to various publications, both online and print, including anthologies and novellas, and features for The Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, Cosmopolitan and Self. She has taught at writers conferences, and does regular keynote speaking, and has a weekly column in The Lady magazine, England’s longest running weekly magazine.
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York, Green is bringing out her first cookbook: Good Taste , with Berkley in October 2016.
She is a storyteller for The Moth radio hour on NPR,
and lives in Westport, Connecticut with her husband and their blended family. When she is not writing, cooking, gardening, filling her house with friends and herding chickens, she is usually thanking the Lord for caffeine-filled energy drinks.
A cancer survivor, she continues to raise awareness for Malignant Melanoma, Hashimoto's Disease, and Lyme Disease.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Vacation by Jane Green for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page, or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review, and others, are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 29, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly loved this story. It is a quick, easy breezy read and by the time I finished, I wanted more.
The story begins with Sarah and Eddie going thru the motions of their roles with their marriage and family. It is clear that each are unhappy and are close to imploding but trying to refrain from their anger as they know there will be words that they cannot take back.
They both realize that their relationship is in trouble and decide to take a break. While on their own, they reflect on the happiness they once know, but do not know how they can get that back. The worry for Sarah is that a reconciliation will result with the same unhappiness and she is starting to find her own happiness without Eddie. Eddie is understanding his role with the demise of their relationship and will do anything to get Sarah and his family back.......but is it too late.
I connected with the characters immediately. I mean, who hasn't felt the way Sarah and Eddie has felt when you are trying to make it through another day, but this author makes you cheer for both of them. Another winner from this Author.
I honestly loved this story. It is a quick, easy breezy read and by the time I finished, I wanted more.
The story begins with Sarah and Eddie going thru the motions of their roles with their marriage and family. It is clear that each are unhappy and are close to imploding but trying to refrain from their anger as they know there will be words that they cannot take back.
They both realize that their relationship is in trouble and decide to take a break. While on their own, they reflect on the happiness they once know, but do not know how they can get that back. The worry for Sarah is that a reconciliation will result with the same unhappiness and she is starting to find her own happiness without Eddie. Eddie is understanding his role with the demise of their relationship and will do anything to get Sarah and his family back.......but is it too late.
I connected with the characters immediately. I mean, who hasn't felt the way Sarah and Eddie has felt when you are trying to make it through another day, but this author makes you cheer for both of them. Another winner from this Author.
November 15, 2019
2 Incomplete Stars
I’d like to start this review by saying I’m a big fan of Jane Green. I read Jemima J years ago and it still sticks with me to this day. Unfortunately, Vacation is no Jemima J.
The story had oodles of promise, I’ll give it that. Lately, I’ve been delving deeper into stories that deal with relationships after the so called happily ever afters, not just the fairy tale stuff we read in the epilogues. When I saw a Jane Green offering on NetGalley that dealt with some of the uglier aspects of married life, I jumped at the chance to read it and had high hopes for Sarah and Eddie’s tale.
Unfortunately, my hope for an angsty deep dive into the marriage of Sarah and Eddie wasn’t to be. The story is told from a third person, alternating POV and I never connected with either of the main characters. Sure, I could see where they were coming from, but everything felt rushed and surface level. The book ends with an abrupt “wtf” and I swear I thought maybe I had downloading issues and didn’t receive the last ten percent of the book. Nope, instead it just ends with a shrug and “I guess they’ll be happy?”
As much as I enjoy Jane Green’s writing, Vacation wasn’t for me.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
I’d like to start this review by saying I’m a big fan of Jane Green. I read Jemima J years ago and it still sticks with me to this day. Unfortunately, Vacation is no Jemima J.
The story had oodles of promise, I’ll give it that. Lately, I’ve been delving deeper into stories that deal with relationships after the so called happily ever afters, not just the fairy tale stuff we read in the epilogues. When I saw a Jane Green offering on NetGalley that dealt with some of the uglier aspects of married life, I jumped at the chance to read it and had high hopes for Sarah and Eddie’s tale.
Unfortunately, my hope for an angsty deep dive into the marriage of Sarah and Eddie wasn’t to be. The story is told from a third person, alternating POV and I never connected with either of the main characters. Sure, I could see where they were coming from, but everything felt rushed and surface level. The book ends with an abrupt “wtf” and I swear I thought maybe I had downloading issues and didn’t receive the last ten percent of the book. Nope, instead it just ends with a shrug and “I guess they’ll be happy?”
As much as I enjoy Jane Green’s writing, Vacation wasn’t for me.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
November 1, 2019
Well, that felt...incomplete.
Having never read a Jane Green novel before, I had high hopes. In fact, I have a few more of her unread books in my Kindle library, but now I'm a little leery. Vacation felt more like a novella...rushed, unfinished, and oh-so-predictable.
The premise is fine...married couple in trouble decides to "take a break." The writing, however, seemed rather...elementary. It all just seemed a little too easy. Plus, it was written in third person present, a style of which I'm not a fan.
If you're looking for a quick, light (make that very light) finding love again story, you may like this. Otherwise, I'd probably pass.
**Thanks to the publisher for providing my ARC in exchange for my candid review.
Having never read a Jane Green novel before, I had high hopes. In fact, I have a few more of her unread books in my Kindle library, but now I'm a little leery. Vacation felt more like a novella...rushed, unfinished, and oh-so-predictable.
The premise is fine...married couple in trouble decides to "take a break." The writing, however, seemed rather...elementary. It all just seemed a little too easy. Plus, it was written in third person present, a style of which I'm not a fan.
If you're looking for a quick, light (make that very light) finding love again story, you may like this. Otherwise, I'd probably pass.
**Thanks to the publisher for providing my ARC in exchange for my candid review.
September 30, 2019
I received this ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have read of a lot of Jane Green books and this was definitely not my favorite. This book fell pretty flat for me and I had trouble connecting with the characters and caring about them. You can definitely relate to some of the marital issues and it was a fairly quick read but by the end of the book I felt that nothing really happened. I wasn't sure what I had just read. There also wasn't enough of a clear pathway between the issues and the resolution. However, there were some light and fun moments and Jane Green is a good writer.
I have read of a lot of Jane Green books and this was definitely not my favorite. This book fell pretty flat for me and I had trouble connecting with the characters and caring about them. You can definitely relate to some of the marital issues and it was a fairly quick read but by the end of the book I felt that nothing really happened. I wasn't sure what I had just read. There also wasn't enough of a clear pathway between the issues and the resolution. However, there were some light and fun moments and Jane Green is a good writer.
September 27, 2019
I received this from Netgalley for a review. I'm not sure what Jane Green is doing as she used to be one of my favorite authors but then I saw this is is an actually an older book? This book didn't seem to have a lot of meaning except for the fact that women were unhappy in their marriage and a lot of complaining was going on. I'm glad it was a quick read on my kindle.
October 30, 2019
Unfortunately, this book is being misdescribed in that it is an 83-page NOVELLA and not a complete book. As of this review, both Amazon and Goodreads have incorrect information on this book. The original novella is found in the book: This Christmas.
For the most part, I merely like Ms. Greens' writing. It keeps me reading and amused. Nothing earth-shattering about any of her books -just good, reliable, dependable, and entertaining reading. And this novella is no different!
It is an amusing story of a woman who gets to that part of her life where she just starts questioning almost everything. Most of us have been at that point one time or another. The big thing she is questioning is her husband, and because of that, they decide to take a little vacation from their marriage. Now the husband is questioning their marriage but in a good way.
There is a small issue at the end where we seem to skip a few steps, but nothing major. I also have an issue with British writer's not doing their homework when writing a book set in the United States and using BritSpeak in place of Americanisms.
All in all, an excellent novella that is heartwarming, amusing, and just perfect when you need a quick read.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
For the most part, I merely like Ms. Greens' writing. It keeps me reading and amused. Nothing earth-shattering about any of her books -just good, reliable, dependable, and entertaining reading. And this novella is no different!
It is an amusing story of a woman who gets to that part of her life where she just starts questioning almost everything. Most of us have been at that point one time or another. The big thing she is questioning is her husband, and because of that, they decide to take a little vacation from their marriage. Now the husband is questioning their marriage but in a good way.
There is a small issue at the end where we seem to skip a few steps, but nothing major. I also have an issue with British writer's not doing their homework when writing a book set in the United States and using BritSpeak in place of Americanisms.
All in all, an excellent novella that is heartwarming, amusing, and just perfect when you need a quick read.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
September 26, 2019
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*Spoilers ahead*
I actually have no words to describe this book, because... I still don't understand what I just finished reading.
Ignore the first paragraph of the description of this book, because it has no bearing on the story at all; we glimpse at Sarah and Eddie's 'meet-cute" mid-way through the book, and the same amount of consideration is given it as in the description. A few pages at best.
As for the rest? More from the description:
"You just sit there like a slob while I do all the work." Nine years later, this is increasingly what goes through Sarah’s mind when she looks at Evan, propped in front of the TV with a beer, ignoring their two children. The truth is, she misses her old life. She misses the old Eddie. She can’t help wondering if she’d be happier alone . . .
When Eddie’s job sends him to Chicago indefinitely, Sarah shocks him by suggesting a trial separation. But she knows it’s just a precursor to divorce—even if Eddie chooses to think of it as a “vacation.” Yet a lot can change—on both sides—as time goes by. And once Christmas arrives, Sarah and Eddie might re-discover gifts they’d forgotten they had...
So the premise is simple: unhappy marriage, trial separation. Kids don't seem affected, wife isn't affected, husband is slightly affected and decides to becomes less of a slob when he is transferred to Chicago. Suddenly he has time and motivation to learn to cook, and goes to the gym regularly. Sarah, on the other hand, commiserates with her friends, easily gets a job (which magically turns into a bigger and better job, i.e. the perfect job), and starts wearing makeup again, dying her hair and buying more fashionable clothing. (Bye Bye comfortable Birkenstocks!)
Include a brief (so brief that I wonder what the point of adding the character was for) flirtation with a contractor for Sarah, a VERY brief flirt with at the gym for Eddie, and that's about the end of the book. Christmas comes, everyone misses the family unit and the couple reunite literally in the last page of the book.
I cannot recommend this book as I still don't quite know what the book was about. But I am thankful for the advance copy.
*Spoilers ahead*
I actually have no words to describe this book, because... I still don't understand what I just finished reading.
Ignore the first paragraph of the description of this book, because it has no bearing on the story at all; we glimpse at Sarah and Eddie's 'meet-cute" mid-way through the book, and the same amount of consideration is given it as in the description. A few pages at best.
As for the rest? More from the description:
"You just sit there like a slob while I do all the work." Nine years later, this is increasingly what goes through Sarah’s mind when she looks at Evan, propped in front of the TV with a beer, ignoring their two children. The truth is, she misses her old life. She misses the old Eddie. She can’t help wondering if she’d be happier alone . . .
When Eddie’s job sends him to Chicago indefinitely, Sarah shocks him by suggesting a trial separation. But she knows it’s just a precursor to divorce—even if Eddie chooses to think of it as a “vacation.” Yet a lot can change—on both sides—as time goes by. And once Christmas arrives, Sarah and Eddie might re-discover gifts they’d forgotten they had...
So the premise is simple: unhappy marriage, trial separation. Kids don't seem affected, wife isn't affected, husband is slightly affected and decides to becomes less of a slob when he is transferred to Chicago. Suddenly he has time and motivation to learn to cook, and goes to the gym regularly. Sarah, on the other hand, commiserates with her friends, easily gets a job (which magically turns into a bigger and better job, i.e. the perfect job), and starts wearing makeup again, dying her hair and buying more fashionable clothing. (Bye Bye comfortable Birkenstocks!)
Include a brief (so brief that I wonder what the point of adding the character was for) flirtation with a contractor for Sarah, a VERY brief flirt with at the gym for Eddie, and that's about the end of the book. Christmas comes, everyone misses the family unit and the couple reunite literally in the last page of the book.
I cannot recommend this book as I still don't quite know what the book was about. But I am thankful for the advance copy.
October 29, 2019
After 8 yrs of marriage, all Sarah Evans wants is for her husband, Eddie, to be gone. When Eddie's promotion includes a transfer to Chicago she ends him off alone while she finds herself. What can Eddie do to win Sarah back and be with his young children?
Follow Sarah and Eddie as they face their pasts and move forward to a better ever after.
I volunteered to read an ARC through Net Galley.
Follow Sarah and Eddie as they face their pasts and move forward to a better ever after.
I volunteered to read an ARC through Net Galley.
September 22, 2024
Sarah and Eddie were once in love, but it seems the years have caused a drift between them. Sarah’s resentment keeps growing as her daily life goes by and watches her husband Eddie constantly not contributing his share to the marriage where it concerns home and children.
Sarah has a book club where they meet once a month. Some read the book while others don’t, but all use this meeting time as a platform to air their marriage woes. Sarah tries to judge her marriage with her book club friends’ as she wonders what has become of herself and the unhapppiness in her home.
Eddie gets offered a job in Chicago and while he presumed the family would pick up and move with him, Sarah , tired of her ho hum life, took the the opportunity to make it a trial separation. Naturally this happening required an emergency book club meeting – EBC.
Eddie misses his family, and begins to realize how badly he neglected them all, as well as realizing how much he’d let himself go, and he decides to start eating properly and exercising as he re-evaluates how his marriage turned so frigid. Sarah is excited to take a part-time job working for a friend in reception at a spa. She’s thrilled to be among people instead of living a lonely existence her life had become. And oddly enough, Sarah is intrigued by Eddie’s sudden change in demeanor and interest in her. But he would have much to prove.
The book club girls pass on the next club meeting and turn it into a girl’s night out, which they all agree is much more fun than book talk. Sarah has ventured back into caring for herself, dyeing her gray strays, wearing makeup again, and feeling better about herself. She says she has no interest in men, but when Joe the contractor shows up at her house, she may have second thoughts.
Ultimately, time passes (swiftly) and it’s Christmas now and Eddie makes his way back home to spend time with his kids, hoping Sarah will be willing to re-kindle their relationship after all they’ve learned in their separation. But will she?
This book was a sweet read but almost too predictable. Also, I honestly don’t even know what the title has to do with the book, Eddie’s life is certainly no vacation having taken a job away from his family. IMO this book is a short story that should have been made longer to give more depth to the characters, as the only one we really get to know is Sarah. And I found the ending very rushed. There is a name error in the blurb as well. Who is Evan? I give this book 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4.
Sarah has a book club where they meet once a month. Some read the book while others don’t, but all use this meeting time as a platform to air their marriage woes. Sarah tries to judge her marriage with her book club friends’ as she wonders what has become of herself and the unhapppiness in her home.
Eddie gets offered a job in Chicago and while he presumed the family would pick up and move with him, Sarah , tired of her ho hum life, took the the opportunity to make it a trial separation. Naturally this happening required an emergency book club meeting – EBC.
Eddie misses his family, and begins to realize how badly he neglected them all, as well as realizing how much he’d let himself go, and he decides to start eating properly and exercising as he re-evaluates how his marriage turned so frigid. Sarah is excited to take a part-time job working for a friend in reception at a spa. She’s thrilled to be among people instead of living a lonely existence her life had become. And oddly enough, Sarah is intrigued by Eddie’s sudden change in demeanor and interest in her. But he would have much to prove.
The book club girls pass on the next club meeting and turn it into a girl’s night out, which they all agree is much more fun than book talk. Sarah has ventured back into caring for herself, dyeing her gray strays, wearing makeup again, and feeling better about herself. She says she has no interest in men, but when Joe the contractor shows up at her house, she may have second thoughts.
Ultimately, time passes (swiftly) and it’s Christmas now and Eddie makes his way back home to spend time with his kids, hoping Sarah will be willing to re-kindle their relationship after all they’ve learned in their separation. But will she?
This book was a sweet read but almost too predictable. Also, I honestly don’t even know what the title has to do with the book, Eddie’s life is certainly no vacation having taken a job away from his family. IMO this book is a short story that should have been made longer to give more depth to the characters, as the only one we really get to know is Sarah. And I found the ending very rushed. There is a name error in the blurb as well. Who is Evan? I give this book 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4.
November 11, 2019
Sarah is a former publicist who seemed to have it all—a handsome and successful husband, two adorable kids, and a life in the suburbs outside New York. But life has changed for this married mother. Her husband Eddie, is no longer the thoughtful partner he once was and doesn’t engage with the family. Her life has taken a quick departure from career success to refereeing arguments between her two kids.
The story reaches a turning point when Eddie agrees to take a job in Chicago, and Sarah proposes a trial separation. Neither Sarah and Eddie are happy and it seems that something needs a change—a vacation is needed...a vacation from their normal life.
I’ve been a fan of Jane Green books, and was thrilled to see another hit the shelves. I felt that this didn’t disappoint. I recommend this fun and quick read that also managed to touch on a topic that few too women talk about—the changes in life as we get older and raise families.
The story reaches a turning point when Eddie agrees to take a job in Chicago, and Sarah proposes a trial separation. Neither Sarah and Eddie are happy and it seems that something needs a change—a vacation is needed...a vacation from their normal life.
I’ve been a fan of Jane Green books, and was thrilled to see another hit the shelves. I felt that this didn’t disappoint. I recommend this fun and quick read that also managed to touch on a topic that few too women talk about—the changes in life as we get older and raise families.
July 6, 2021
This was actually a novella, and like many novellas, it comes up short (no pun intended). The premise has potential, but the ending is rushed and unsatisfying. If you have not read Jane Green's work before, skip this and grab just about any of her full length novels instead.
November 29, 2019
Normally I love Jane Green’s books. This one just felt rushed, especially the ending. I was really hoping for more power to it. It was okay but not the best I’ve read by her.
January 23, 2020
I don't really have too much to say aside from... was that it? This was incredibly short and felt like half of the book was missing. Not what I expected from Green.
October 28, 2019
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review -
Sara meets Eddie and the sparks fly - Love - totally an awesome feeling. They marry -
Then baby one comes, then baby two. Mommy quits her job to be a stay home mommy.
Daddy works long hours, comes home, grabs and beer and the tv.
They separate - Can they rekindle their marriage?
Green writes so you can feel each persons feelings. This was a good book!
Sara meets Eddie and the sparks fly - Love - totally an awesome feeling. They marry -
Then baby one comes, then baby two. Mommy quits her job to be a stay home mommy.
Daddy works long hours, comes home, grabs and beer and the tv.
They separate - Can they rekindle their marriage?
Green writes so you can feel each persons feelings. This was a good book!
October 9, 2019
Zebra Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Vacation. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
Sarah and Eddie had a storybook life for a while, but after 9 years and two children, Sarah is feeling neglected. Her life has not turned out the way she envisioned and cannot help but think that her marriage is doomed. Will a trial separation bring the couple closer together or will it spell the end?
Vacation is not a new work by the author, as this is actually a reprint. The writing is stilted and definitely not in keeping with the more recent novels by Jane Green. Sarah's complaints about Eddie are valid, but they came across as whiny and nagging at times. The speed at which Eddie comes to certain realizations about his life does not seem realistic. Overall, I did not feel a connection to either character and I found Vacation to be an average read.
Sarah and Eddie had a storybook life for a while, but after 9 years and two children, Sarah is feeling neglected. Her life has not turned out the way she envisioned and cannot help but think that her marriage is doomed. Will a trial separation bring the couple closer together or will it spell the end?
Vacation is not a new work by the author, as this is actually a reprint. The writing is stilted and definitely not in keeping with the more recent novels by Jane Green. Sarah's complaints about Eddie are valid, but they came across as whiny and nagging at times. The speed at which Eddie comes to certain realizations about his life does not seem realistic. Overall, I did not feel a connection to either character and I found Vacation to be an average read.
October 29, 2019
Sarah and Eddie have been married for 8 years, have two beautiful children...and don't even recognize each other anymore. They used to be in love, but now Sarah feels completely alone in raising the kids and taking care of the house, while Eddie's work stress has caused him to withdraw from the family and from participating in his own life (he stopped exercising, he stopped eating right, he started drinking, and he just doesn't have the bandwidth to engage with a nagging wife and active children). How did they get here? When Eddie is offered a job in Chicago, he takes it and he and Sarah approach the distance as a trial separation. She finds work outside of the house and takes an interest in her appearance again, trying to recognize herself in the mirror. Eddie realizes how empty his life is without his family and how much he is missing by not being with them. Maybe a little vacation from their unhappy status quo is just what they needed to truly appreciate what they had all along.
I'm really torn about this book. On the one hand, Jane Green has such an engaging and magnetic writing style that I was just drawn in immediately and kept on reading, even as questions were popping into my head. Was this a new book? Why were they talking about answering machine messages and the Lion King 2, which kind of seemed out-of-date? (I read some reviews that said this is actually one of her older books that was never published.) What on earth was up with that ending? They went from estranged to back together in a paragraph, with no explanation of how they got there. It was just tacked on, like they found an unfinished manuscript and wanted to put it out ASAP so made up this quickie ending and hoped no one would care. I actually went forward and back a few pages to see if I had missed something. This read a lot more like a novella; it's very short, and unlike most of Green's books, it's a simple snapshot of this couple as opposed to a complex web of relationships where you come to care about an entire cast of characters. I think if I had known going in that it was a short story or something like it, I would have been more prepared for the abrupt plot changes.
Jane Green knows just how to suck a reader in, but this isn't one of her strongest.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.**
I'm really torn about this book. On the one hand, Jane Green has such an engaging and magnetic writing style that I was just drawn in immediately and kept on reading, even as questions were popping into my head. Was this a new book? Why were they talking about answering machine messages and the Lion King 2, which kind of seemed out-of-date? (I read some reviews that said this is actually one of her older books that was never published.) What on earth was up with that ending? They went from estranged to back together in a paragraph, with no explanation of how they got there. It was just tacked on, like they found an unfinished manuscript and wanted to put it out ASAP so made up this quickie ending and hoped no one would care. I actually went forward and back a few pages to see if I had missed something. This read a lot more like a novella; it's very short, and unlike most of Green's books, it's a simple snapshot of this couple as opposed to a complex web of relationships where you come to care about an entire cast of characters. I think if I had known going in that it was a short story or something like it, I would have been more prepared for the abrupt plot changes.
Jane Green knows just how to suck a reader in, but this isn't one of her strongest.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.**
October 28, 2019
Vacation by Jane Green was a good, easy, read. This is a very true to life story of a 10 year marriage at a crossroads. Sarah and Eddie live in the suburbs where they are raising their two children. Eddie works increasingly long hours in the city while Sarah takes care of the house and the children, and slowly becomes more resentful of Eddie’s time away. When Eddie is offered a new position in Chicago, Sarah decides this is the time to make the break. What the couple find out is that they have both contributed to the state of their marriage and gain new perspectives. I liked that, though they separate, there is no infidelity. After making some personal changes, they again, bring the best of themselves to each other and their marriage. Of course, it would have been better if they could have done this without separating but then there would t be the conflict needed for the storyline, right? Overall, a very good story from one of my favorite authors.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review. #netgalley #vacation
Merged review:
Vacation by Jane Green was a good, easy, read. This is a very true to life story of a 10 year marriage at a crossroads. Sarah and Eddie live in the suburbs where they are raising their two children. Eddie works increasingly long hours in the city while Sarah takes care of the house and the children, and slowly becomes more resentful of Eddie’s time away. When Eddie is offered a new position in Chicago, Sarah decides this is the time to make the break. What the couple find out is that they have both contributed to the state of their marriage and gain new perspectives. I liked that, though they separate, there is no infidelity. After making some personal changes, they again, bring the best of themselves to each other and their marriage. Of course, it would have been better if they could have done this without separating but then there would t be the conflict needed for the storyline, right? Overall, a very good story from one of my favorite authors.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review. #netgalley #vacation
Merged review:
Vacation by Jane Green was a good, easy, read. This is a very true to life story of a 10 year marriage at a crossroads. Sarah and Eddie live in the suburbs where they are raising their two children. Eddie works increasingly long hours in the city while Sarah takes care of the house and the children, and slowly becomes more resentful of Eddie’s time away. When Eddie is offered a new position in Chicago, Sarah decides this is the time to make the break. What the couple find out is that they have both contributed to the state of their marriage and gain new perspectives. I liked that, though they separate, there is no infidelity. After making some personal changes, they again, bring the best of themselves to each other and their marriage. Of course, it would have been better if they could have done this without separating but then there would t be the conflict needed for the storyline, right? Overall, a very good story from one of my favorite authors.
October 27, 2019
In Vacation, Eddie and Sarah are going through a very rough slump in their marriage and when Eddie has to temporarily go to Chicago for work Sarah admits she wants a separation (a “Vacation”). So they decide to separate; however during this time apart both seem to find themselves again and understand what each did wrong in their marriage. However, what does this self-discovery mean for their marriage? Is their marriage worthy saving? Does either, especially Sarah, want it to be saved?
First off, I feel like Jane Green somehow took the deepest & darkest thoughts I have heard about my marriage and put them in a book. Marriage is hard and being a mom is hard and Jane was able to completely and honestly capture those thoughts. I loved this part of the book.
The book is in 3rd person, which I am not a huge fan of because you can lose some of the emotion and feeling when it’s written this way. Because this is such a personal topic to so many woman I really wanted to connect with Sarah and it was so hard to do. Jane did give a lot of insight into Sarah’s inner thoughts to balance out the narrative but the story still comes across as very impersonal.
The ending was very abrupt. I honestly was shocked and had to go re-read the last one a few times to confirm the book ended. Very unsatisfying ending.
Overall I really enjoyed the concept and but was not a fan of the 3rd person narrative and abrupt ending. I’ve seen this is a re-written novella which makes sense and if I could get another chapter I would probably rate it a bit higher.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
First off, I feel like Jane Green somehow took the deepest & darkest thoughts I have heard about my marriage and put them in a book. Marriage is hard and being a mom is hard and Jane was able to completely and honestly capture those thoughts. I loved this part of the book.
The book is in 3rd person, which I am not a huge fan of because you can lose some of the emotion and feeling when it’s written this way. Because this is such a personal topic to so many woman I really wanted to connect with Sarah and it was so hard to do. Jane did give a lot of insight into Sarah’s inner thoughts to balance out the narrative but the story still comes across as very impersonal.
The ending was very abrupt. I honestly was shocked and had to go re-read the last one a few times to confirm the book ended. Very unsatisfying ending.
Overall I really enjoyed the concept and but was not a fan of the 3rd person narrative and abrupt ending. I’ve seen this is a re-written novella which makes sense and if I could get another chapter I would probably rate it a bit higher.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 9, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from Kensington Books - Zebra in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am a huge fan of Jane Green and her work. My two favorite books of all time are Swapping Lives and The Other Woman because of the brilliant approach she takes on relationships and makes them so colorful that makes the reader learn something new. In the case of Vacation, Sarah and Eddie seem to have lost their magic touch in their relationship and when Eddie through his job gets the opportunity to be in Chicago indefinitely, Sarah suggests a temporary separation a.k.a. Vacation. During the time apart and with Christmas coming up, Sarah and Eddie rediscover the gifts they never thought they had just in time for the holiday season. I could not put this book down and I categorize these types of books and Hallmark Books/Chick Flick books and everyone needs a book like this every now and then.
We will consider adding this title to our Romance collection at our library. This is why we give this book 5 stars.
I am a huge fan of Jane Green and her work. My two favorite books of all time are Swapping Lives and The Other Woman because of the brilliant approach she takes on relationships and makes them so colorful that makes the reader learn something new. In the case of Vacation, Sarah and Eddie seem to have lost their magic touch in their relationship and when Eddie through his job gets the opportunity to be in Chicago indefinitely, Sarah suggests a temporary separation a.k.a. Vacation. During the time apart and with Christmas coming up, Sarah and Eddie rediscover the gifts they never thought they had just in time for the holiday season. I could not put this book down and I categorize these types of books and Hallmark Books/Chick Flick books and everyone needs a book like this every now and then.
We will consider adding this title to our Romance collection at our library. This is why we give this book 5 stars.
October 15, 2019
When Sarah and Eddie met, they were in their twenties, living in New York, had great jobs and happening lives. Nine years later, they are married with two children and living in the suburbs. Sarah is an unhappy stay-at-home wife and Eddie works too much, eats too much and drinks too much. Sarah has had enough so when he gets transferred to the Chicago office, she sees this as a chance to have a trial separation. Apart, Eddie realizes that he's been a lousy husband and father and Sarah finds herself again.
This novella was originally published in 2005 in a trio of stories called This Christmas. You can tell it's dated because someone puts a phone back in its cradle, when Sarah applies for jobs she finds in the newspaper she mails a cover letter and resume, and there is a reference to Demi Moore dating younger men.
I've read a few books by this author and this was okay. It was a quick and easy read. It's written in third person perspective with a focus on Sarah and Eddie.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2019/10...
This novella was originally published in 2005 in a trio of stories called This Christmas. You can tell it's dated because someone puts a phone back in its cradle, when Sarah applies for jobs she finds in the newspaper she mails a cover letter and resume, and there is a reference to Demi Moore dating younger men.
I've read a few books by this author and this was okay. It was a quick and easy read. It's written in third person perspective with a focus on Sarah and Eddie.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2019/10...
September 25, 2019
This was an ok read. I actually think it's a recycled story due to some of the outdated things mentioned in the story such as answering machines. Sarah annoyed me. She clearly is not happy in the marriage and blamed it all on her husband, instead of admitting she may not have been happy with herself. There is character development with Eddie and Sarah working on self- improvement. The ending was a little scattered as there is no transition from what you read and then how it turns out. I've read better things from This author. Thanks to NetGalley for the early read.
September 30, 2019
I have read a lot of Jane Green books and I tend to go for them when I am looking for something lighthearted but engaging. I was intrigued by Vacation because I didn't know she was releasing another book so soon. While the premise was good, I am not sure what the deal was with this one. It was super short and felt choppy and some of it seemed outdated? I don't know, it was very quick to read but in this case, some length would have helped.
It felt very flat and one dimensional and lacked any kind of depth that her books usually deliver while still being "easy reads'. It almost reads more like a novella? I think this storyline is promising and it covers an issue many people who have been married a decade or more could relate to, but this one needs some work. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy.
It felt very flat and one dimensional and lacked any kind of depth that her books usually deliver while still being "easy reads'. It almost reads more like a novella? I think this storyline is promising and it covers an issue many people who have been married a decade or more could relate to, but this one needs some work. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy.
October 3, 2019
Not necessarily a Christmas story, but Christmas does come into play. Sarah & Eddie have been married 9 year and have two kids and seem to be in a rut. Neither one of theme is happy but they don't talk about it and resent towards Eddie seems to be increasing on Sarah's part. When Eddie's job send him to Chicago, Sarah is relieved and see this as the beginning of the end and Eddie, not wanting to think that way, thinks of it as a vacation. Time apart changes how they both feel about each other and they start to discover that what they wanted may have been right there all along. This was a super quick one sitting read--not her normal book but a quick read that has a happy ending! Thank you NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
November 10, 2019
**ARC received by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
My very first Jane Green read and unfortunately I was disappointed.
I don’t even know how to write a review about this novella as I’m not even sure what the deal was with this one! I’m very very glad that it was only 76 pages as I’m sure I would’ve DNFed it at about 30% of the story.
For more reviews follow me on Instagram @pani.reads
Merged review:
My very first Jane Green read and unfortunately I was disappointed.
I don’t even know how to write a review about this novella as I’m not what the deal was with this one! I’m very very glad that it was only 76 pages as I’m sure I would’ve DNFed it at about 30% of the story.
My very first Jane Green read and unfortunately I was disappointed.
I don’t even know how to write a review about this novella as I’m not even sure what the deal was with this one! I’m very very glad that it was only 76 pages as I’m sure I would’ve DNFed it at about 30% of the story.
For more reviews follow me on Instagram @pani.reads
Merged review:
My very first Jane Green read and unfortunately I was disappointed.
I don’t even know how to write a review about this novella as I’m not what the deal was with this one! I’m very very glad that it was only 76 pages as I’m sure I would’ve DNFed it at about 30% of the story.
October 17, 2019
This is a novella that originally appeared in the anthology THIS CHRISTMAS. It is about Sarah Evans & her husband Eddie. They used to have the perfect marriage but after 2 kids, she quit her job, they moved to the country, he started spending more and more time working and less time with family things aren't so great anymore. So when Eddie's company needs him to transfer to Chicago, Sarah decides this is the perfect time for them to take a vacation from their marriage and see where they go from there.
Let me start by saying I am a huge Jane Green fan. I have loved all of her books. This, I was not as much a fan of. The story wasn't bad, there just wan't much substance to it.
Let me start by saying I am a huge Jane Green fan. I have loved all of her books. This, I was not as much a fan of. The story wasn't bad, there just wan't much substance to it.
October 28, 2019
Feeling unfulfilled in her life as a suburban mom and wife, Sarah Evans decides to separate from her successful but absent husband, leading to the title vacation in the book.
I thought this short, easy read was really a cute reminder about what we give up in partnerships and a gentle reminder that keeping yourself might mean you need to focus a little time on reflection. I really thought the focus on the husband's perspective was an interesting and unusual choice.
I found myself easily and readily understanding both perspectives and really enjoying this fun read.
Thanks to the publisher, author and www.NetGalley.com for my ARC.
I thought this short, easy read was really a cute reminder about what we give up in partnerships and a gentle reminder that keeping yourself might mean you need to focus a little time on reflection. I really thought the focus on the husband's perspective was an interesting and unusual choice.
I found myself easily and readily understanding both perspectives and really enjoying this fun read.
Thanks to the publisher, author and www.NetGalley.com for my ARC.
September 25, 2019
If you've been married for a decade or beyond with family, kids, and career, you will instantly relate to this book. I read this so fast that I'm still trying to figure out if it is a novella, short story, or full-length novel. Very quick paced, not a ton of character development, but an easy to fall into story with all the typical plot points you'd expect from a Jane Green novel. I really enjoyed it but it was over way to soon!
October 20, 2019
Such a quick read! I really enjoyed this one, but I wanted more! I want to know what happens to Eddie and Sarah after Christmas. Anyone going through the mid life slump will really relate to this story of two people miserably going about the day to day of marriage and parenthood. It was frustrating that neither would talk to the other, but I think this painted a very realistic, if not sad, picture of modern day marriage.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
September 17, 2024
Fun read about Sarah and her marriage. She is in a slump and when a change in location presents itself for her husband, she views this as a sign that they need to trial a separation. During this time both Sarah and Eddie take time for themselves. Time they didn't realize they needed. Was disappointed with how the book just ended, I wanted more :)
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